System for reducing sound in a sports protective helmet

ABSTRACT

Systems for reducing the decibel levels of sound originated external to a sports protective helmet may minimize deleterious effects to the hearing of the individual wearing the sports protective helmet. Through use of a sound reducing object, whether placed in the interior of the sports protective helmet or external to the sports protective helmet, decibel volumes may be reduced across key frequencies that reach human ears while still allowing a player to hear. The result is substantial reduction in hearing loss related to sporting activities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/995,109 filed on Jan. 13, 2020, entitled “System for reducing sound in a sports protective helmet,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to sports protective helmets, and more particularly to reducing decibel levels of sound that originates external to a sports protective helmet.

BACKGROUND

Sports activity can be conducted in environments with high levels of noise. Traditionally, noise has been generated by spectators and opponents. However, modern sports equipment has evolved to incorporate a variety of plastics, composites, and metals to improve performance. Unlike traditional materials such as wood, modern materials can produce broad spectrums of sound at high decibel levels upon impact. A composite metal baseball bat, for example, produces sounds ranging from 170 hz to 2500 hz at decibel levels ranging from 90 db to 124 db. Human beings can experience permanent hearing loss at 85 db or higher. At 115 db, hearing loss is instantaneous. Sports protective helmets have focused on reducing trauma causing force generated by physical impact. Sports protective helmets are generally composed of a hard-exterior material and components of interior materials designed to reduce force from physical impact. Furthermore, these helmets have been increasing sound passage via openings, holes, and/or ducts in order to help facilitate player hearing while wearing helmets composed of modules, padding, and liners designed to absorb physical force, but these improvements expose the wearer's ears to direct sound allowing a broad spectrum of sound to enter into the sports protective helmet, which may lead to further hearing damage.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a system for reducing sound in a sports protective helmet, the system comprising: at least one sound-reducing object formed of a baffle; and at least one opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear that may receive the at least one sound-reducing object, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object may diffract medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the at least one opening of the sports protective helmet while allowing human voice frequency sound to pass through to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. The at least one sound-reducing object also may include a ring-shaped portion that may receive the baffle. The at least one sound-reducing object may be inserted inside the sports protective helmet or may be placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet. The baffle may be oval-shaped. The at least one sound-reducing object may provide a smooth, hard surface and may be formed from one or more materials that channel air or sound vibrations in a desired direction. The one or more materials may be selected from the group comprising: plastic, foam, wood, composite, and/or carbon fiber. The ring-shaped portion, if utilized, and the baffle may be formed as separate components that are adhered or attached to one another or they may be integrally formed. The at least one sound-reducing object may partially cover the at least one opening or may fully cover or block the at least one opening. The ring-shaped portion of the at least one sound-reducing object may have a shape similar to a shape of the at least one opening. The at least one sound-reducing object may be positioned at an angle relative to the ring-shaped portion in the at least one opening.

Further embodiments may provide a sound-reducing object for a sports protective helmet, the sound-reducing object comprising: a baffle; and a ring-shaped portion that may receive the baffle, the ring-shaped portion and baffle positioned relative to an opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear, wherein the sound-reducing object may diffract medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the opening of the sports protective helmet. The sound-reducing object may allow human voice frequency sound to pass through to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. The sound-reducing object may be inserted inside the sports protective helmet or may be placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet. The sound-reducing object may partially cover the opening or may fully cover or block the opening.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sound-reducing object for a sports protective helmet, the sound-reducing object comprising: a baffle positioned relative an opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object may provide a smooth, hard surface and may be formed from one or more materials that channel air or sound vibrations in a desired direction, and wherein the sound-reducing object may diffract medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the at least one opening the sports protective helmet. The sound-reducing object may further include a ring-shaped portion that may receive the baffle.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a sports protective helmet including an interior-inserted sound-reducing object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts the sports protective helmet of FIG. 1 with the interior-inserted sound-reducing object inserted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the sports protective helmet of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of a sound-reducing object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an assembled view of the sound-reducing object of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of a sports protective helmet including an exterior-placed sound-reducing object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts the sports protective helmet of FIG. 6 with the exterior-placed sound-reducing object in place according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a sports protective helmet with another interior-inserted sound-reducing object inserted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 depicts a sports protective helmet with another exterior-placed sound-reducing object in place according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems for reducing sound in sports protective helmets according to embodiments of the present disclosure may use sound-reducing objects, baffles, and/or routing devices to deflect sound waves and reduce decibel levels in the medium-to-high sound spectrum ranges, significantly reducing damage to human hearing while wearing a sports protective helmet. Sports protective helmets may include modular liner systems and/or materials that may reduce forces and effects thereof that may result from physical impact to the sports protective helmet when in use. However, sports protective helmets generally may include openings, holes, or ducts that are positioned around, near, or even next to the ears of the wearer. These openings, holes, or ducts may allow sound to pass through the sports protective helmet so that the wearer may still hear sounds.

A sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be placed in or around those openings, holes, or ducts so as to reduce the deleterious effects of sound that may enter the sports protective helmet. Using such a sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may allow sound to be deflected so that it may be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet, while still significantly reducing the decibel level of critical frequencies (i.e., those in the medium-to-high sound spectrum ranges), thereby resulting in improved protection against hearing loss.

The sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be inserted inside the sports protective helmet or may be placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet in embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that regardless whether the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is inserted inside the sports protective helmet or placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet, sound may be deflected to protect the wearer from hearing loss as described in more detail herein.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a sports protective helmet including an interior-inserted sound-reducing object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 depicts a sports protective helmet having openings, holes, or ducts on each side of the helmet that would be positioned near or next to the wearer's ears in use. A sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is depicted with an arrow reflecting that it may be inserted inside the sports protective helmet in this embodiment of the present disclosure. A second sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device would be placed inside the sports protective helmet relative to the second opening, hole, or duct in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of a sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 depicts an assembled view of the sound reducing object, baffle, or routing device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be comprised of a ring-shaped portion that may receive a baffle or other oval component. While this baffle is depicted as being oval in shape, it may be appreciated that other shapes may be used without departing from the present disclosure. Similarly, the ring-shaped portion of the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be shaped in a ring so that it may fit around the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet. However, it should be appreciated that the ring-shaped portion may be formed in another shape depending on the shape of the opening, hole, or duct without departing from the present disclosure. While the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device in FIGS. 4 and 5 is depicted as including both a ring-shaped portion as well as a baffle or other oval component, it should be appreciated that there may be embodiments of the present disclosure where no ring-shaped portion may be included, such as the interior-inserted embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8 or the exterior-placed embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9. Regardless whether the ring-shaped portion is included, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may diffract sound that may enter through the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet.

The sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be comprised of any material that may channel air or sound vibrations in a desired direction. The components of the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, foam, metal, wood, composite, and/or carbon fiber. Regardless what material(s) may be used to form the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device, the material(s) should provide a smooth, hard surface. It should be appreciated that the ring-shaped portion, if utilized, and the baffle or oval component may be formed of the same material in some embodiments of the present disclosure; however, they may be formed of different materials without departing from the present disclosure.

Further, it should be appreciated that the ring-shaped portion, if utilized, and the baffle or oval component may be positioned and adhered or attached to one another as separate components inserted or attached to the sports protective helmet in an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, there may be other embodiments of the present disclosure where the ring-shaped portion and the baffle or oval component may be formed integrally for insertion into or attachment to the exterior of the sports protective helmet. The baffle or oval component of the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be inserted at an angle in the ring-shaped portion as depicted in FIG. 5 such that some sound may be blocked by the positioning of the baffle or oval component while other sound may be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. Similarly, if no ring-shaped portion is utilized, the baffle or oval component may be inserted at an angle into the opening, hole, or duct itself. While some embodiments have been described as inserting the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device into the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet, it should be appreciated that there may be embodiments where the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is integrally formed with the sports protective helmet.

FIG. 2 depicts the sports protective helmet of FIG. 1 with the interior-inserted sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device inserted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted herein, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be inserted in the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet to provide a full or partial barrier between the wearer's ear and sounds that originate external to the sports protective helmet. As depicted in FIG. 2, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be partially covering the opening, hole, or duct on the interior of the sports protective helmet in an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be fully covering or blocking the opening, hole, or duct on the interior of the sports protective helmet without departing from the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the sports protective helmet of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted herein, when the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is in position in the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may diffract sound away from the opening, hole, or duct. More specifically, high-frequency noises may be diffracted by the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device while allowing the frequency of a human voice to pass through to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. For example, in baseball, an aluminum bat may produce high-frequency noises in the range of 1000 kHZ-2000 kHZ. Using the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, those high-frequency noises may be diffracted while letting the human voice frequencies (typically in the range of 65 kHz to 180 kHz) to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. This diffraction changes the direction of the sound waves as depicted in FIG. 3 so that they do not go directly into the wearer's ear. It should be appreciated that the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is not absorbing or modifying the sound; rather, it is merely changing the direction of the sound so that it does not directly enter the wearer's ear. While FIG. 3 depicts an interior-placed sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device, it should be appreciated that sound may be diffracted in a similar manner as described herein when the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device is placed externally to the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of a sports protective helmet including an exterior-placed sound-reducing object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 depicts the sports protective helmet of FIG. 6 with the exterior-placed sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device in place according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted herein, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be inserted from the exterior of the sports protective helmet in the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet to provide a full or partial barrier between the wearer's ear and sounds that originate external to the sports protective helmet. As depicted in FIG. 7, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be partially covering the opening, hole, or duct on the exterior of the sports protective helmet in an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be fully covering or blocking the opening, hole, or duct on the exterior of the sports protective helmet without departing from the present disclosure.

As previously described with respect to FIG. 4, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be comprised of a ring-shaped portion that may receive a baffle or other oval component, and those components are depicted in the exploded view of a sports protective helmet containing an externally-placed sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device as depicted in FIG. 6. The ring-shaped portion, if utilized, may be positioned over the opening, hole, or duct on the exterior of the sports protective helmet as depicted in FIG. 7. Again, as discussed with respect to FIG. 4, the ring-shaped portion, if utilized, and the baffle or oval component may be positioned and adhered to one another as separate components inserted into the sports protective helmet in an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, there may be other embodiments of the present disclosure where the ring-shaped portion and the baffle or oval component may be formed integrally for insertion into the sports protective helmet. The baffle or oval component of the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be inserted at an angle in the ring-shaped portion as depicted in FIG. 5 such that some sound may be blocked by the positioning of the baffle or oval component while other sound may be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet. Similarly, if no ring-shaped portion is utilized, the baffle or oval component may be inserted at an angle into the opening, hole, or duct itself.

Placing a sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure in or around the opening, hole, or duct of the sports protective helmet close to the wearer's ear, noise levels experienced by the wearer can be significantly reduced. For example, metal and composite baseball bats can produce noise levels exceeding 85 db. Including the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device as part of a baseball player's protective helmet, noise levels can be reduced below 85 db, thereby better protecting the baseball player from hearing damage or loss.

While systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as diffracting sound by inserting or including a sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device between the wearer's ear and a source of sound entrance, there may be other means for diffracting sound in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the sound-reducing object, baffle, or routing device may be integrated with existing interior or exterior components of a sports protective helmet. In an additional or alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, exterior or interior protective components of the sports protective helmet may be extended to form a sound-reducing device that may partially or completely block the openings, holes, and ducts of the sports protective helmet. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may provide for rerouting of the openings, holes, and ducts of the sports protective helmet so that sound waves may be diffracted and deflected into the existing protective modules and materials of the sports protective helmet. Regardless which form of sound-reducing system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is used, sound entering the sports protective device through openings, holes, or ducts may be diffracted to reduce the likelihood of hearing damage or loss to the wearer of the sports protective helmet.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A system for reducing sound in a sports protective helmet, the system comprising: at least one sound-reducing object formed of a baffle; and at least one opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear that receives the at least one sound-reducing object at an angle, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object diffracts medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the at least one opening of the sports protective helmet while allowing human voice frequency sound to pass through to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object is inserted inside the sports protective helmet.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object is placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the baffle is oval-shaped.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object provides a smooth, hard surface and is formed from one or more materials that channel air or sound vibrations in a desired direction.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more materials are selected from the group comprising: plastic, foam, wood, composite, and/or carbon fiber.
 7. The system of claim 1, the at least one sound-reducing object further comprising: a ring-shaped portion that receives the baffle.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the ring-shaped portion and the baffle are formed as separate components that are adhered or attached to one another.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the ring-shaped portion and the baffle are integrally formed.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object partially covers the at least one opening.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the ring-shaped portion of the at least one sound-reducing object has a shape similar to a shape of the at least one opening.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object is positioned at an angle relative to the ring-shaped portion in the at least one opening.
 13. A sound-reducing object for a sports protective helmet, the sound-reducing object comprising: a baffle; and a ring-shaped portion that receives the baffle, the ring-shaped portion and baffle positioned relative to an opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear, wherein the sound-reducing object diffracts medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the opening of the sports protective helmet.
 14. The sound-reducing object of claim 13, wherein the sound-reducing object allows human voice frequency sound to pass through to be heard by the wearer of the sports protective helmet.
 15. The sound-reducing object of claim 13, wherein the sound-reducing object is inserted inside the sports protective helmet.
 16. The sound-reducing object of claim 13, wherein the sound-reducing object is placed in a position external to the sports protective helmet.
 17. The sound-reducing object of claim 13, wherein the sound-reducing object partially covers the opening.
 18. The sound-reducing object of claim 13, wherein the sound-reducing object fully covers or blocks the opening.
 19. A sound-reducing object for a sports protective helmet, the sound-reducing object comprising: a baffle positioned relative an opening in the sports protective helmet in proximity to a wearer's ear, wherein the at least one sound-reducing object provides a smooth, hard surface and is formed from one or more materials that channel air or sound vibrations in a desired direction, and wherein the sound-reducing object diffracts medium-to-high-frequency sound away from the at least one opening the sports protective helmet.
 20. The sound-reducing object of claim 19, the sound-reducing object further comprising: a ring-shaped portion that receives the baffle. 